The name Cooper has its origins in the Old English word "cūpere," which means "barrel maker" or "cup maker." This occupational surname dates back to the Middle Ages, when the craft of making barrels, casks, and other wooden containers was an essential trade. The name is derived from the Latin word "cupa," meaning "tub" or "cask."

In the early medieval period, the name Cooper was primarily found in England, where the barrel-making trade was prevalent. The earliest recorded use of the name can be traced back to the 12th century, with records showing individuals with the surname Cooper in various parts of England.

As a given name, Cooper became popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly among English-speaking communities. It was often used as a first name for children born into families involved in the barrel-making or cooperage trade.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the first name Cooper was Cooper Stansfield, an English writer and poet born in 1737. Another notable figure was Cooper Penrose, an English judge and politician who lived from 1770 to 1859.

In the United States, the name Cooper gained popularity during the 19th century. One of the most famous individuals with this first name was Cooper Union, an American industrialist and philanthropist born in 1791. He founded the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, a prestigious educational institution in New York City.

Another notable figure was Cooper Vail, an American businessman and railroad executive born in 1802. He played a significant role in the development of the railroad industry in the United States.

In the realm of literature, Cooper Fenimore, better known as James Fenimore Cooper, was a prominent American novelist born in 1789. He is best known for his historical novels, including "The Last of the Mohicans" and "The Leatherstocking Tales."

Moving into the 20th century, Cooper Hewitt was an American industrialist, philanthropist, and the founder of the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, born in 1866.

These are just a few examples of historical figures who carried the first name Cooper, which has remained a popular choice throughout various periods and cultures, reflecting its rich heritage and connections to traditional craftsmanship.